Kampala, March 20, 2026 :  More than 250 primary school pupils have been rallied to take an active role in environmental protection during  the Inaugural Schools Environmental Conference hosted at Makerere University.

Organised by the Environment for Development (EfD) Uganda in partnership with the Green Vests Initiative, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), and the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), the conference aimed to promote environmental awareness and responsible stewardship among learners.

The half-day event brought together Primary Five to Primary Seven pupils and their teachers for a series of educational sessions and interactive activities under the theme “Strengthening Environmental Stewardship in Schools.”

The initiative reflects a broader commitment to nurturing environmental responsibility from an early age, complementing EfD’s traditional focus on policy engagement and research. The programme included keynote remarks, environmental education sessions, and interactive activities designed to inspire pupils to take practical steps in protecting their environment.

Schools Key in the Fight Against Environmental Crisis

Schools must take a leading role in shaping environmentally responsible citizens if Uganda is to effectively address climate change and environmental degradation, a policy engagement specialist  said.

Representing the College Principal and Director of the Environment for Development (EfD) Mak Centre, Dr. Peter Babyenda described schools as critical platforms for promoting environmental stewardship and influencing long-term behavioural change.

He welcomed participants and encouraged young learners to envision themselves as future students and leaders at Makerere University. “In a few years, you will be here, and this will be your college,” he said.

Dr. Babyenda warned that Uganda remains highly vulnerable to climate change, with more than 40 percent of its land degraded and an estimated 100,000 to 122,000 hectares of forest lost annually. He noted that environmental degradation is already affecting key sectors including health, food security and education.

In Eastern Uganda, over 90 percent of children reportedly experience climate-related disruptions to learning, while urban centres such as Kampala face increasing flooding, disease outbreaks and extreme heat, which affect school attendance and concentration.

He attributed the crisis largely to human activities such as deforestation, industrialisation, wetland encroachment and poor waste management. Citing recent floods in the capital, he said blocked drainage systems and irresponsible garbage disposal are worsening the situation.

“Most of the floods you are seeing are likely caused by us,” he said. “If we don’t protect our environment, the effects will find us—even in our classrooms.”

 Babyenda emphasized that teachers, particularly at primary level, play a critical role in shaping environmentally responsible behaviour early in life. “You can play a great role in safeguarding the environment if you teach these young ones from the start. It is very easy to change behaviour from the beginning,” he said.

He noted that Uganda’s youthful population-about 44 percent below the age of 15, presents a unique opportunity to drive sustainable change. With more than 18,000 primary schools and about 3,000 secondary schools, he said the education system remains the largest structured platform for influencing behaviour nationwide.

Babyenda  called for practical interventions within schools, including tree planting, establishment of school gardens, waste recycling and composting, clean-up campaigns, energy conservation and the creation of “talking compounds” that reinforce environmental responsibility.

He also urged schools to strengthen environmental education through clubs and peer learning initiatives, and to revive greening policies such as school woodlots under the Green School Programme.

Highlighting the importance of forests, Babyenda pointed to the degradation of major reserves such as Mabira Forest, Bugoma Forest and Budongo Forest, warning that continued loss of tree cover threatens biodiversity, livelihoods and climate stability.

“We are saying trees, trees, trees because their benefits are immediate,” he said, noting their role in absorbing carbon dioxide, regulating temperatures and maintaining ecological balance.

Encouraging personal and community responsibility, he challenged learners to influence change beyond the classroom. “You can even correct your parents—tell them that throwing rubbish out of a car window is not right,” he said.

He also proposed simple but symbolic actions to embed environmental values in everyday life. “Let us make it a habit—even on your birthday, plant a tree. That is how you celebrate life while protecting the future,” he added.

 Babyenda stressed that environmental stewardship is a shared responsibility requiring coordinated efforts from individuals, schools, communities and government institutions.

“Start small but think big. Let each school be a beacon, one tree, one club, one lesson at a time,” he said.

He  pledged  the centre’s readiness to partner with schools and stakeholders to advance environmental sustainability efforts across the country.

“The future lies in you, the young ones,” he said. “If we guide you well, you will become the leaders who protect our environment.”

Green Vest Initiative Champions Student-Led Environmental Action”

Green Vest Initiative Team Lead John Robert Tenywa said the gathering aimed to inspire a new generation of environmentally conscious citizens who act beyond their personal interests to protect shared resources.

The event, held under the theme “Strengthening Environmental Stewardship in Schools,” emphasized the critical role of young people in driving environmental change. Tenywa noted that schools provide a strategic platform for shaping attitudes and behaviors that can influence communities and the country at large.

“We are focusing on raising a generation that lives beyond itself—one that is mindful of the environment and committed to making a difference,” he said.

Tenywa outlined the Initiative’s key activities, including cleaning public spaces, educating communities about environmental conservation, and promoting waste management practices that turn waste into valuable resources. He added that the organisation conducts monthly community outreach activities, combining clean-up campaigns with public sensitisation efforts.

For the current cycle, the Initiative has shifted its focus toward education, targeting students with information and discussions on environmental protection. Tenywa said this approach complements ongoing clean-up efforts by addressing the root causes of environmental degradation through awareness.

He also highlighted the Initiative’s faith-based foundation, noting that it integrates moral and spiritual values into its work while engaging communities.

The engagement marks a growing effort by civil society and public institutions to involve young people in addressing environmental challenges, particularly in urban areas where waste management and pollution remain pressing concerns.

Everyone Has a Legal Role in Safeguarding the Environment

Wilber Ikalai, NEMA Manager of Environment Education and Advocacy, urged students to understand that every individual has a legal and moral duty to maintain a clean and healthy environment. “The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it,” he said, quoting environmentalist Robert Swan. He reinforced that the National Environment Act mandates all Ugandans to prevent pollution and enhance environmental quality.

Ikalai highlighted that environmental stewardship goes beyond trees, water, and wildlife, noting that human behaviors are integral to the ecosystem. He gave examples of harmful practices in schools, including improper disposal of waste, overuse of water, overprinting of documents, and the unsafe handling of food packaging materials that release chemicals into the food chain. “If you don’t take care of yourself, you are part of the pollutants affecting your environment,” he said.

The NEMA official also outlined the agency’s role in coordinating national environmental management, working with lead institutions such as the Uganda Wildlife Authority, National Forestry Authority, local governments, and educational institutions. Through policy guidance, environmental impact assessments, and public education, NEMA seeks to promote sustainability and prevent environmental degradation.

Ikalai called on students to adopt green practices in schools, including proper waste management, water conservation, minimizing overprinting, and avoiding harmful materials in food handling. He encouraged learners to report unsustainable practices they observe and to actively contribute to a culture of environmental responsibility. “Students are the stewards of the environment for the coming generations,” he said, urging them to take personal responsibility for practices that impact both their immediate surroundings and the broader ecosystem.

Jane Anyango is the Communication Officer, EfD-Mak Centre

The Makerere University Journal of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences (MUJAES), with support from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University Press (MakPress), the Directorate for ICT Support (DICTS), and the Makerere University Library, is pleased to announce the launch of its central online manuscript submission and management system.

Authors can now submit and track their manuscripts through the system by visiting: https://journals.mak.ac.ug/mujaes/about/submissions

To submit a manuscript, please:
1. Register on the platform,
2. Log in to your account,
3. Follow the prompts to complete your submission.

We are currently receiving manuscripts for Volume 15 (Issue 1), scheduled for publication in early July. You are invited to submit your original research and scholarly work for consideration.

To improve manuscript tracking and management, authors who recently submitted manuscripts via email (mujaes.caes@mak.ac.ug) are kindly requested to register on the system, log in, and upload the original manuscript through the online platform. Please note that this step will not affect the current review status of your manuscript; it is solely intended to facilitate efficient tracking and management within the new system.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we continue to streamline and improve our manuscript submission and review processes.

Contact Information

Prof. Jeninah Karungi-Tumutegyereize
Department of Crop Science and Horticulture, School of Agricultural Sciences, Makerere University
P.O. Box 7062 Kampala Uganda
Tel. +256705987559
Chief Editor, MUJAES

Makerere University students have once again demonstrated academic excellence and commitment to environmental conservation after emerging as the overall winners in the Uganda Wildlife Authority Tertiary Institutions Conservation Competitions held during the national celebrations to mark the World Wildlife Day.

On 25^th February, a team of eight students, including members of the Makerere University Tourism Association (MUTA), proudly represented the university at the competitions organized by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The event took place at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre in Entebbe and brought together students from various tertiary institutions across the country to showcase knowledge and innovation in wildlife conservation.

The competitions formed part of the activities marking World Wildlife Day and were held under the theme “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conservation, Health, Heritage and Livelihoods.” The theme highlighted the importance of protecting plant biodiversity, particularly species that support traditional medicine, cultural heritage, and sustainable livelihoods.

After a highly competitive contest that tested participants’ knowledge of conservation, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability, Makerere University emerged as the overall winner. The Uganda Wildlife Research and Training College finished as the first runner-up, while Nkumba University secured the second runner-up position.

 The team’s achievement was officially recognized during the national World Wildlife Day celebrations held on 3^rd March at the Entebbe Works Grounds. During the ceremony, the students were awarded a trophy in recognition of their outstanding performance.

The award was presented by Uganda’s Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, alongside the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Hon. Tom Butime, and the State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Martin Mugarra. The leaders commended the students for their remarkable achievement and emphasized the critical role young people play in promoting conservation and protecting Uganda’s natural heritage.

The winning team comprised students from diverse academic disciplines as follows: 

1. Iradikunda Jemimah – Bachelor of Biomedical Laboratory Technology
2. Nankabirwa Edith Mirembe – Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management
3. Agenrwoth Brenda – Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management
4. Joel Kibirango – Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management
5. Elvis Mujuni Kamara – Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences (Botany/Zoology)
6. Kamyuka Ben – Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences (Botany/Zoology)
7. Karisa Geofrey – Bachelor of Science in Forestry
8. Nyangoma Caroline – Bachelor of Science in Forestry

 According to Prof. Jim Ayorekire, Head, Department of Tourism at Makerere University, the win not only highlights Makerere University’s continued leadership in conservation education but also underscores the importance of empowering young people to take an active role in protecting biodiversity and promoting sustainable use of natural resources.